New All-Male Orphanage

Salsa star Marc Anthony and Henry Cardenas opened the first all-male orphanage in La Romana, sponsored by the Maestro Cares Foundation, this year on Wednesday, April 2.

The grand opening celebration was attended by the Vice President of the Dominican Republic, Margarita Cedeño de Fernández; Senate President, Reynaldo Pared; Colombian actor Manolo Cardona (Cartel of the Frogs), and merengue dancer Rubby Pérez, among other national and foreign personalities.

“Today is a memorable day for me, definitely a special day … Two years ago I spent Christmas with the children, and that date changed my life. Knew I had to do something, this is something very personal to me. Is a day that I will never forget,” said Marc, visibly moved during the inauguration.

“Immensely happy to be here,” he wrote hours before on his Twitter account. “Today we change lives and build dreams with the opening of our first orphanage in the DR. The first of others that are already underway,” said the Puerto Rican idol.

The event began at 12:30 pm with the arrival of the artist, and immediately following his entrance, the National Anthem was played. Afterwards, 16 children sang the popular song “Live My Life” by Marc Anthony.

Also, the Dominican Senate gave recognition to the singer for the actions taken by his foundation in this country and in the rest of Latin America and the Caribbean on behalf of children in orphan status.

About 50 young men who make up the male population of the orphanage and so far have lived in a very small house, now have a new and very comfortable home thanks in part to Maestro Cares. The Orphanage provides love, home, and health education to more than 160 young people.